The 20-time English champions' manager Louis van Gaal wants to sign a centre-back to strengthen his side's back four. Injuries forced the Dutchman to field several centre-back partnerships and even changed his side's defensive line-up on several occasions.

Marquinhos has started only in 10 league games for the Ligue 1 winners this season. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has made signing a centre-back a priority and set his sights on Marquinhos.

United have already made contact with the PSG star and are hoping to seal the deal in order to bring him to Old Trafford this month.

The French club are unlikely to let their player leave half way through the season. If United manage to continue their pursuit in signing Marquinhos, there could be a possibility that the centre-half can leave his current employers in January.

PSG manager Laurent Blanc has preferred Marquinhos' compatriots Thiago Silva and David Luiz as the first choice players in the heart of the back four. This has seen the former Roma man drop down the pecking order at Parc des Princes.

The 20-year-old joined the French champions from AS Roma in the summer of 2013. Before his switch to the French capital, the centre-back was also on United's radar and was on top of their former manager David Moyes' transfer wish list at Old Trafford.

Marquinhos was also a transfer target for Barcelona, along with United. However, he spurned a chance to join either of the clubs and completed his switch to PSG. It should be seen whether the Red Devils can secure the services of the PSG defender.

United have already made Marquinhos aware that any failure on their part to secure his services in the winter transfer window will see them make an approach for his services after the end of the season.

The Guardian earlier reported that Van Gaal is set for a clear-out at Old Trafford. First choice defenders Jonny Evans and Phil Jones figure in the list and should they be allowed to leave the club, United will be in dire need of more central defenders in the summer.